in Original unrestored - original amber varnish from Pre 1960's
The metal has only been professionally, carefully, hand polished to a mirror finish (took about 15 hours)
Last one from my Private Collection (3 Sold)
Embossed Pre 1960's NARDI & C
Not a NARDI-Personal S.p.A. replica.
See large 82 detailed Photos below the Description
Original Pre-1960 NARDI & C Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Roadster Wood Steering Wheel – 42 cm – NOS Horn Button
An exceptionally rareOriginal NARDI & C wood steering wheelmanufacturedprior to 1960for the legendaryMercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Roadster.
This isnot a reproductionor later replacement, but an authentic period NARDI steering wheel in remarkableunused, original condition, retained in my private collection for many years.
Features
GenuinePre-1960 NARDI & Csteering wheel
Correct for theMercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Roadster
42 cm diameter
Original wood with itsfactory-applied amber varnish
Completelyunrestoredand in outstanding original condition
CrispNARDI & Cembossing
Last remaining example from my private collection
Included
This sale includes an original NOS (New Old Stock) horn button, which came with this steering wheel:
Genuine vintage Mercedes part in unused condition.
Condition
A truly outstanding survivor with beautiful original wood and finish. The steering wheel remains inflawless unused vintage condition, preserving the warm amber tone of its original varnish. It hasnever been restored or refinished, making it an exceptional collector's piece.
About NARDI
NARDI & C of Italy became one of the world's most respected manufacturers of handcrafted wooden steering wheels during the 1950s. Their beautifully crafted wood-rim wheels were fitted to many of the most prestigious European sports and grand touring cars of the era, including select Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Porsche models. Original early NARDI steering wheels are now highly sought after for their craftsmanship, authenticity, and historical significance.
Finding an original pre-1960 Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Roadster NARDI steering wheel in this level of preservation—complete with its original NOS horn button—is exceptionally rare.
After Enrico Nardi, founder of NARDI & C, passed away on August 23, 1966, the original company was dissolved in 1969.
Steering wheels produced under later companies using the Nardi name are not part of the original NARDI & C founded by Enrico Nardi and do not share the same historical significance or collectability.
An outstanding opportunity for the serious Mercedes-Benz collector, concours restoration, or investment-grade collection.
A rare and historically significant addition to any Mercedes-Benz collection.
